Guerrilla Games is reportedly in the early planning stages for Horizon 3, with only a small team assigned and no release window yet. The next mainline entry in the Horizon series is not expected for several years
Guerrilla Games is reportedly in the earliest stages of developing Horizon 3, with only a small group of developers currently working on the project. According to recent reporting, the next mainline Horizon title is still years away from release, and no official launch window has been announced.
Development Status and Studio Focus
Rather than moving directly into full production on Horizon 3 after the release of Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games shifted its primary resources to the multiplayer spinoff Horizon Hunters Gathering. That project has since been rebooted following internal feedback, leaving Horizon 3 in a prolonged pre-production phase. At present, only a limited team is said to be outlining the direction for Aloy's next adventure, with the majority of the studio focused elsewhere.
This approach means that Horizon 3 is unlikely to arrive during the current PlayStation 5 generation. Forbidden West, released in 2022, was a cross-generation title available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. If Horizon 3 targets PlayStation 6, as some industry speculation suggests, it would mark the first time a mainline Horizon game is designed exclusively for a new PlayStation console generation.
Other Horizon Projects and Studio Activity
Guerrilla Games is not solely focused on Horizon 3. The studio continues to support multiple projects within the Horizon universe. Horizon Hunters Gathering, the multiplayer spinoff, is undergoing a significant reboot, with some staff reportedly reassigned to a separate, unannounced project that is due for internal evaluation later this year. Details about this mystery project remain undisclosed.
In addition, NCSoft and Sony are collaborating on Horizon Steel Frontiers, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game for mobile devices and PC. While Guerrilla is involved in shaping the world, development is led by NCSoft. This expansion of the Horizon franchise into new genres and platforms reflects a broader strategy to diversify the series beyond single-player experiences.
Release Timing and Franchise Context
There is currently no confirmed release window for Horizon 3. The only official acknowledgement of a sequel came in April 2023, when Guerrilla referenced "Aloy's next adventure". Since then, no further details have been provided regarding platforms, gameplay features, or technical targets. The studio's focus on other projects and the small size of the Horizon 3 team suggest that a full reveal is not imminent.
For context, the Horizon series has become one of PlayStation's flagship franchises since the launch of Horizon Zero Dawn in 2017. The series' expansion into multiplayer and other media, including a planned live-action film with filming reportedly targeted for 2026, demonstrates Sony's commitment to the brand. This mirrors the approach seen with other major franchises, such as the recent addition of a substantial new campaign to Quake Remaster, as covered in our report on Quake's 30th anniversary update.
What Remains Uncertain
At this stage, there is no official information on Horizon 3's gameplay direction, technical ambitions, or platform exclusivity. It is not known whether the game will introduce major changes to the series' open-world structure, combat systems, or narrative approach. No footage, screenshots, or concept art have been released, and the project has not been formally unveiled by Guerrilla or Sony.
Players should expect a lengthy wait before concrete details emerge. The current evidence points to a long development timeline, with the next mainline Horizon entry unlikely to appear before the next console generation. Until Guerrilla provides a formal announcement, all details beyond the existence of early planning remain subject to change.
In game development, pre-production refers to the phase where core concepts, story outlines, and technical requirements are established before full-scale production begins. This stage often involves a small team working on prototypes, design documents, and project planning. Only after pre-production is complete does a studio typically commit significant resources to building the game, which can add several years to the overall timeline before release.
